FAI CUP: Warm reception for McEleney - Fats chance!

FORMER Derry City fans' favourite, Patrick McEleney is bracing himself for a chorus of jeers at Brandywell tomorrow night as he aims to keep alive Dundalk's hopes of retaining the FAI Cup.
By The Newsroom
Published 3rd Oct 2016, 18:29 BST
Updated 4th Oct 2016, 13:53 BST
Patrick McEleney of Dundalk in action against Conor McCormack of Derry during the Irish Daily Mail FAI Cup Semi-Final match between Dundalk and Derry City at Oriel Park.Patrick McEleney of Dundalk in action against Conor McCormack of Derry during the Irish Daily Mail FAI Cup Semi-Final match between Dundalk and Derry City at Oriel Park.
Patrick McEleney of Dundalk in action against Conor McCormack of Derry during the Irish Daily Mail FAI Cup Semi-Final match between Dundalk and Derry City at Oriel Park.

The Shantallow man has already appeared in two end of season showpieces at the Aviva Stadium with his hometown club which resulted in contrasting emotions.

McEleney was part of the team which earned a dramatic 3-2 extra-time win over St Patrick’s Athletic in 2012 and also featured in the 2-0 loss to the same opposition in 2014.

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And while he’s relishing Dundalk’s memorable European adventure this season, he’s determined to get his hands on the trophy for a second time.

McEleney came off the bench at Oriel Park on Sunday and was instrumental in the second goal as he played Ciaran Kilduff in behind the Derry defence with a sublime ball over the top with the striker applying the finish.

He also set-up David McMillan with an outstanding pass late in the game but the striker crashed his header off the post.

He wasn’t surprised his former teammates fought back to earn a replay and now McEleney expects a partisan crowd at the Brandywell night for the replay and he’s looking forward to the test.

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“The Cup Final is something you just don’t want to miss and we’ll be doing everything we can to get there.

“It’s a massive game at the Brandywell. I know from experience there will be a brilliant crowd. “

“I don’t think I’m a favourite up there but we’ll look forward to it.”

“Everyone’s ready to come in and play. We’ll see in Tuesday what we do regards the team and no matter what we’ll have a go. It’s another night to get booed and jeered but it’s all part of the game and I look forward to the occasion.”

Related topics:BrandywellDerry CityDundalkDerry